Celebrating Oaxaca: A Journey of Family, Flavor, and Heritage at Ruta Oaxaca
As part of my Hispanic Heritage Year project, I’ve been traveling to different Latin American restaurants each month. I hi-light their unique cultural and culinary contributions. This month, I’m excited to shine a light on Mexico, particularly the flavors of Oaxaca. Which is a region known for its rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture. To do that, I sat down with Jose and Carlos, two of the partners behind Ruta Oaxaca, to learn more about their inspiring journey and how they’ve built a restaurant that’s not just about food, but also about family, culture, and community.
From Dream to Reality
Jose, Chef Carlos, and Carlos’s brothers—Chef Felipe and Pedro—had been in the restaurant business for over 22 years, dreaming of opening their own establishment. “We’ve known each other for more than two decades,” Jose shared. “One day, in the middle of the pandemic, we were sitting at my house drinking coffee, and we asked ourselves, ‘If not today, then when?’”
In the midst of business closures and uncertainty, the team took a leap of faith. Despite the odds, the landlords in Astoria gave them an opportunity to open their doors, and Ruta Oaxaca was born. “We felt a connection to the space as soon as we walked in,” Jose said. “We wanted to create a place where our customers feel that same connection—like they’ve been transported to Mexico, to Oaxaca, where they can experience the richness of our culture.”
Opening a restaurant during a pandemic was no small feat, and they began with just takeout. “I’ll never forget the day we opened for lunch and dinner, and we got three takeout orders,” Jose laughed. “It felt like a celebration because three families were eating our food, and that was a sign of hope.” Four months later, with indoor dining restrictions easing, Ruta Oaxaca began to thrive, and they haven’t looked back since.
The Route to Oaxaca: A Culinary Journey
Carlos explained the meaning behind the restaurant’s name: Ruta Oaxaca, which translates to “the route to Oaxaca.” For him, this route is not just geographical but also deeply personal. “Oaxaca is famous for its moles, especially mole negro, and there are six different moles in the state,” he shared. These moles represent family, tradition, and celebration. “In our culture, we serve mole for special occasions like quinceañeras, baptisms, or weddings. But at Ruta Oaxaca, every day is a special occasion, because we serve mole daily, preserving the recipes passed down through generations.”
Carlos’ love for cooking began as a child, helping his parents prepare meals for large community gatherings. “My mother has the same recipe that her mother used, and I don’t even know how many generations it goes back,” he reminisced. “For us, every dish at Ruta Oaxaca is a way to honor that tradition.”
Connecting to the Community
What sets Ruta Oaxaca apart is not just its dedication to authenticity but also its deep ties to the community. “The community is everything to us,” Carlos said. “Whether it’s supporting local schools, hospitals, or community events, we are always open to help.” This sense of family extends to their staff as well. “When we hire, we look for people who share our values—people who have a genuine smile, who see our customers as part of the family.”
This family atmosphere is something I’ve personally experienced every time I visit Ruta Oaxaca. The warmth and friendliness of their staff, coupled with their knowledge of Oaxacan culture and cuisine, make every visit feel like a trip to Mexico. “We want our customers to feel like they’re visiting family, like they’ve taken a trip to Oaxaca,” Carlos said. “For us, it’s not just about food, it’s about creating an experience.”
The Legacy of Mexican Cuisine
As we talked, Carlos reflected on the legacy he’s carrying forward. His father owned a small taquería, and from a young age, Carlos learned the ins and outs of the food business. Even when life took unexpected turns—like working as a dishwasher in a restaurant when he first arrived in the U.S.—he never lost sight of his passion for cooking. “Cooking is in my blood,” he said. “Everything I do now is built on the lessons my parents taught me.”
At Ruta Oaxaca, this legacy is alive in every dish, from the moles to the ceviches and the pre-Hispanic traditions that are woven into Oaxacan cuisine. By sourcing their ingredients locally and maintaining the authenticity of their recipes, Jose and Carlos have created more than just a restaurant. They’ve created a space where Latinos can reconnect with their heritage and where everyone can experience the beauty and depth of Mexican culture.
Continuing the Journey
As part of my Hispanic Heritage Year project, Ruta Oaxaca has been an incredible reminder of the importance of staying connected to our roots. Through their dedication to family, culture, and community, Jose and Carlos have built something truly special. Something that honors their Oaxacan heritage while inviting all of us to be a part of it.
If you’re looking for a taste of Mexico right here in New York, I encourage you to visit Ruta Oaxaca. From their passion for food to their commitment to community, they embody everything that makes our Hispanic heritage so rich and vibrant
Stay tuned as I continue my journey through Hispanic Heritage Year, highlighting more stories, flavors, and traditions that connect us to our roots!
To see other countries highlighted this year,
